Engineers are the reason we exist—they’re the core of who we are. We don’t just build technology; we engineer the future. From next-gen aerospace to cutting-edge defense systems, our teams power the solutions that drive innovation, tackle mission-critical challenges, and keep people safe. This is where problem-solvers and big thinkers thrive.

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions is seeking a Lead Embedded Software Engineer to join the Core Services & Libraries (CS&L) team in building the foundational software components that enable next-generation avionics systems.

As Team Lead, you will guide a multidisciplinary team of software engineers who develop reusable libraries, I/O frameworks, and partitioned services in a safety-critical, certifiable environment. The lead(s) will operate within an Agile framework, balancing hands-on technical contribution with leadership, task planning, and delivery accountability.

Due to the nature of this role, all candidates must be U.S. Citizens OR U.S. Persons.

Preference is onsite in Cedar Rapids, IA. Will consider remote candidates meeting all requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead an Agile software development team within the Core Services & Libraries organization
Break down program-level objectives into executable user stories, tasks, and milestones
Assign and track work across team members, ensuring adherence to scope, schedule, and quality standards
Provide regular progress metrics and reporting to program management and customer representatives
Mentor team members on software design, partitioning, certification, and avionics standards
Contribute technically to architecture, design, and implementation of core software components
Collaborate with other leads to define interfaces, data flows, and I/O architecture across systems
Ensure development aligns with certification objectives (DO-178C DAL A/B) and coding standards
Participate in sprint planning, reviews, and retrospectives to continuously improve team performance

Required Qualifications:

8+ years of experience developing or testing embedded software
Strong experience in embedded C++ software development within RTOS environments (VxWorks preferred)
Demonstrated expertise with ARINC-653 partitioning, I/O frameworks, and low-level software design
Hands-on experience leading Agile or Scrum-based engineering teams
Proficiency in work decomposition, backlog management, and metrics-based reporting (e.g., velocity, burndown, earned value)
Experience with requirements traceability and verification (HLR/LLR) under DO-178C
Ability to coordinate across multiple engineering and certification disciplines

Desired Qualifications:

Experience with ARINC 661 Cockpit Display Systems (CDS/UA integration)
Familiarity with I/O protocols, data dictionaries, and software architecture for reusable libraries
Background in DAL A certification or equivalent safety-critical domains
Familiarity with toolchains and CI/CD environments supporting configuration management and verification (Atlassian Suite, Jama, Coverity, Rapita, etc)

Ideal Candidate:

A hands-on technical leader who thrives on enabling the team to deliver complex, certifiable software in a dynamic environment. An engineer who can balance architectural vision with day-to-day execution, ensuring the team stays aligned, productive, and responsive. Someone who overcommunicates, thinks in systems, plans with precision, and leads by example.

The QDSS Advantage:

At QDSS, our advantage is purpose-driven work, collaborative teams, and complex challenges that push boundaries and build lasting impact. You’ll grow your career while contributing to mission-critical programs that demand excellence and shape the future.

What You’ll Find Here
Work That Matters – Next-generation, safety- and mission-critical projects where your contributions have real-world impact.
Growth That’s Supported – Competitive compensation, employer-matched 401(k), certification assistance, and clear opportunities for advancement.
A Culture That Works – A flexible, collaborative, and people-first environment where teamwork, innovation, and balance are valued.
Benefits Include
Competitive pay, comprehensive medical/dental/life and disability coverage, 401(k) with employer match, professional development support, and a flexible, friendly workplace.